The relationship between a Head of School and the Director of Enrollment Management is one of the most critical partnerships in independent schools. Misaligned expectations, unclear decision-making authority, and competing priorities can undermine even strong leadership teams and limit how effectively enrollment strategy is integrated into institutional decision-making.

In this moderated panel, Head of School–Director of Enrollment Management pairs from Francis Parker School in San Diego, Wingra School, and The Peddie School will offer a candid look inside their working relationships. Representing different school communities and institutional contexts, the panelists will share how they build trust, establish communication and decision-making practices, navigate difficult enrollment conversations, and create alignment around enrollment as a strategic institutional priority.

The conversation will explore where Heads and enrollment leaders need to be closely aligned, where healthy tension can strengthen decision-making, and how effective partners clarify roles while maintaining open and direct communication.

The panel will also examine how the Head–Enrollment partnership extends beyond the leadership team, including how Heads and enrollment leaders work together to engage boards and finance committees, communicate market realities, and connect enrollment strategy to broader institutional priorities.

Rather than presenting a single model for the “ideal” partnership, the session will highlight different approaches, common challenges, and lessons learned across three schools. Participants will leave with practical strategies for strengthening communication, trust, role clarity, and shared decision-making—and ideas they can apply immediately to strengthen the Head–Enrollment partnership in their own school.